Bush again slams Congress on energy

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. President George W. Bush Saturday criticized Congress again for not holding a vote on opening "more of America's domestic oil resources for exploration."

In his weekly radio address, Bush demanded that Congress act on his proposals on offshore exploration on the Continental Shelf, expanding access to oil shale and extending renewable power tax credits intended to promote development of alternative energy sources.

As he did two weeks ago, Bush called the 110th Congress "one of the least productive in history."

"This is their final chance to take action before the November elections," he said. "If members of Congress do not support the American people at the gas pump, then they should not expect the American people to support them at the ballot box."

Speaking of multiple Gulf Coast hurricanes and tropical storms, Bush said the coordination between the federal government and Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas was "strong."

"(Hurricane) Gustav caused damage to infrastructure, forced tens of thousands into shelters, and left more than a million people without power," he said. "The federal government is working with state and local officials to repair this damage, to help residents get back home, and to return life in the region to normal as soon as possible."